A Scholarship from the Heart: Family Honors Dr. Blanchette’s Bond to WNC

Western Nevada College News

At Western Nevada College Foundation, generosity often comes full circle. For Dr. Molly Blanchette, that circle has come back to the place where her own academic journey began - Western Nevada College.

Blanchette's family members recently surprised her with a deeply personal gift during a January trip to Florida for her Ph.D. graduation from Walden University: They established a scholarship in her honor at WNC. What began as a celebration of her academic milestone has now grown into something even more meaningful - the launch of the Sage Brim Scholarship, which Blanchette hopes will become an annual award supporting students pursuing their education at WNC.

"I received the scholarship as a gift from my family for completing my Ph.D.," Blanchette shared. "They had already reached out to start the process and started it in my name. I got to name the scholarship and define its purpose. I loved this gift.

"I want this scholarship to help those who are restarting their lives in recovery (as defined by them) and who want to go into a helping profession."

Blanchette said that the name for her scholarship emanated from her headwear when she was a college student.

"I got myself into recovery at 21, and I would wear a green hat, way down low over my eyes," she said. "It's sort of a memory my friends and family had and watched me become who I am. Although a green hat is less cool than sage brim."

For Blanchette, education has always been transformative. She attended Western Nevada Community College - as WNC was known at the time - earning her associate degree in 2006 before transferring to the University of Nevada, Reno to complete her bachelor's degree. She continued at UNR to earn her Master of Social Work, and during her graduate studies completed an internship in WNC's counseling office, working closely with nontraditional students to help them succeed.

"Education changed my life," she said. "I love the idea of helping a student work through coursework at WNC. I believe in education and what it can do for your life. I love that WNC is part of our community."

Her connection to the college didn't end there. From 2011 to 2014, Blanchette returned to WNC as an instructor, teaching Social Work 101 and Social Work 250 in Carson City and Douglas County. She also taught distance learners in Fallon - back when courses were delivered via televised broadcasts.

"I loved meeting the students and getting to know them," she said. "A few ended up becoming social workers, and I've run into them in the field over the years. I loved being able to bring the applied perspective to my classes and creating coursework based on what students may encounter in the field."

The scholarship's creation was a true family effort. Nine adults and nine children contributed to establishing the Sage Brim Scholarship, turning what began as a graduation celebration into a lasting legacy of support for future students.

For Blanchette, the gesture reflects the values that shaped her own journey - hard work, service and belief in the power of education. Now, thanks to the generosity of her family and her enduring commitment to WNC, that belief will help open doors for students for years to come.

"What makes the Sage Brim Scholarship so special is the heart behind it," said WNC Foundation Executive Director Niki Glady, who also serves as the college's Chief Advancement Officer. "This was a family's way of celebrating Dr. Blanchette's incredible achievement, but it's also a powerful investment in the future of WNC students. When families choose to honor someone they love by creating opportunities for others, it speaks volumes about their shared commitment to education and community. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and excited to see the impact this scholarship will have for years to come."